AUC's third and final Community Action Day of the year took place on Saturday, October 19. More than 220 students, faculty, staff and family contributed to service projects at 14 sites across the island, collaborating with community partners such as ICan and New Start foster homes, Ideal Nursery School, Player Development, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, Tri-Sport, the Mental Health Foundation, White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation, and many more.
In total, the AUC community invested more than 675 hours of service on Saturday. That impact included educational activities for children, local beach and neighborhood clean-ups, art projects from recycled materials, activities for senior citizens, a day of pampering for adults with cognitive disabilities, and repairs to local schools, animal shelters and nonprofit facilities, among other activities.
“We are very grateful to be included [in Community Action Day], said Dorette De Leeuw Pfennings of SXM Paws, a volunteer organization that rescues and cares for neglected animals. “I wish to commend these young people for their hard work, good humor, and willingness to reach out to the island community.”
Saturday’s event closed out the 11th year of Community Action Day. During a special celebration earlier in the week, students and colleagues were able to hear about the history of Community Action Day and mingle with representatives from nine different partner organizations. T-shirts from past events—nearly all of which were designed by students—were also put on display.
“Community Action Day is rooted in the spirit of collaboration,” said Dr. Golden Jackson, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement. “It’s always encouraging to work with students who feel community engagement is an essential part of becoming a physician. And it’s equally inspiring to partner with community organizations who believe in the value of working together.
We will be highlighting videos and photos from Community Action Day in the coming days.